When I watch the Pats play, I don't get the feeling that their D is capable of really stopping people. Seems like they give up too many 3rd down conversions, they don't really get after the QB, etc. I know many of you here share that sense.
But then I look at the numbers. Here are some relevant stats:
- #6 in the league in total yards allowed per game (262.3)
- #7 in the league in passing yards allowed per game (174.0)
- #10 in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (88.3)
- #7 in the league in points allowed per game (16.7) - but that number is really even less, since 7 of them came on an interception return by Buffalo, and really was on the offense. So their D is giving up 15.3 ppg. Pretty stellar, actually.
- #7 in the league in 3rd down conversions allowed (30.0%) - I was surprised at this number.
I mean, that's pretty good, right? Essentially a top 7 defense, according to those numbers.
But then there are some bad stats, too:
- #25 in the league in QB rating allowed (98.4)
- #23 in the league in passing yds/att (7.7)
- #20 in the league in sacks (6)
- #16 in the league in rushing yds/att (4.0)
So what do you think? Is this a good defense or a not-so-good defense? I think the conclusion I'm coming to is that there is the potential here for a top 7 defense, and at times, they show it. But (despite media reports to the contrary) this is a young group missing some key players (now Wilfork is injured), and when they come together, they could be very tough.
This week's game against a very good offense (Baltimore) will be a real test, but I love the 10 points allowed to the Falcons.
But then I look at the numbers. Here are some relevant stats:
- #6 in the league in total yards allowed per game (262.3)
- #7 in the league in passing yards allowed per game (174.0)
- #10 in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (88.3)
- #7 in the league in points allowed per game (16.7) - but that number is really even less, since 7 of them came on an interception return by Buffalo, and really was on the offense. So their D is giving up 15.3 ppg. Pretty stellar, actually.
- #7 in the league in 3rd down conversions allowed (30.0%) - I was surprised at this number.
I mean, that's pretty good, right? Essentially a top 7 defense, according to those numbers.
But then there are some bad stats, too:
- #25 in the league in QB rating allowed (98.4)
- #23 in the league in passing yds/att (7.7)
- #20 in the league in sacks (6)
- #16 in the league in rushing yds/att (4.0)
So what do you think? Is this a good defense or a not-so-good defense? I think the conclusion I'm coming to is that there is the potential here for a top 7 defense, and at times, they show it. But (despite media reports to the contrary) this is a young group missing some key players (now Wilfork is injured), and when they come together, they could be very tough.
This week's game against a very good offense (Baltimore) will be a real test, but I love the 10 points allowed to the Falcons.